Five Questions
What made you choose your major?
There is something so satisfying being able to design a new material and physically hold and show off your research. It's an eureka moment being able to hold a glass cup or 3D printed metal figurine and say, "this is my creation, look at what I've made." Materials science is exactly the type of major that allows me to bring creations in my head to real life, allowing both hard science and creativity to coexist. Not to mention, it's one of the most flexible majors, with MATSE combining so many different fields that I can apply for many different job fields in STEM.
What student organizations and activities are you involved in?
I volunteered at a retirement home in high school, but I found my passion in working with youth groups in college. I've joined the Big Brother Big Sister program to work with local middle school students as a mentor. Additionally, I believe undergraduate research is one of the most enriching experiences a college student can have, so I am an Undergraduate Research Ambassador to best support my peers in their research aspirations. Furthermore, I am working in two research internships, one with Dr. John Mauro working on LionGlass and the other with ARL working on SIMP-3D. Besides academic enrichment, I also enjoy teaching dance classes in my free time as I have been a dancer for nine years.
What is the best class you’ve taken at Penn State and why?
It's only been a few weeks since I've been in the class, but I really enjoy MATSE400 taught by Dr. Susan Trolier-Mckinstry. I think the professor is funny and I respect her for her long, long list of achievements. She inspires me to work harder and be better every time I interact with her. It's one of the few classes that I enjoy putting in effort for since the content is genuinely interesting to me. It's a class that you'll walk away from with a profound understanding of the material, more than just surface level. To me, that is the kind of class that makes Penn State's steep out-of-state tuition worth it. Take the class if you can; trust me, it'll be worth it.
What is one piece of advice you would give to prospective students?
Have the audacity to ask. I know it sounds funny, but I seriously mean it. For every honor, award, or experience I have had, I had the audacity to try, even when I had nothing on my resume. As soon as the ball gets rolling, it doesn't stop and sooner or later, you'll find yourself thriving in all aspects of your life. Back at Penn State Berks, I had the audacity to run for president of multiple clubs with absolutely no experience. I got those positions and the ball started rolling and it has kept rolling since then. Truly, just put yourself out there and have the audacity to ask.
What opportunities has Penn State provided for you so far?
Penn State has absolutely changed the trajectory of my life because of the opportunities it has provided to me. At Berks, I had the honor of participating in undergraduate research since my first year (zoonotic diseases, computational chemistry, esterification), learn leadership and time management by heading multiple clubs (PSU Berks AI Club, PSU Berks SLAC, PSU Sustainability Council), and participate in many outreach programs (PSU Berks PEPP, PSU Berks FIERCE) that have helped me discover my life's passion of helping others through STEM/education. In my one official semester at University Park, I have been able to work with Dr. Mauro on LionGlass, speak at a Board of Trustees meeting, work with graduate students in a Chemical Engineering machine shop, and make lifelong friends and partnerships. I've had the honor of participating in academically, personally, and mentally enriching experiences provided by Penn State and the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
